Jeremy and Kristi Blank
Jeremy and Kristi purchased their farm in central Minnesota in 2006. They moved onto the farm two years later. The couple put up buildings for raising and finishing cattle in 2013. Since that time, they have grown corn, soybeans and green beans on rented land.
Currently, the Blank family raises and finishes over 650 head of cattle annually. They also run a cow-calf herd of 20 pairs. They plant about 500 acres of corn and soybeans along with 20 acres of hay ground. The family is working with their local NRCS office to plant cover crops and implement manure management programs.
All members of the family are involved on the farm. Kristi heads the cattle operations and handles day-to-day tasks and fieldwork. Jeremy oversees the crops as well as working full time at Arnolds in St. Cloud. Jeremy and Kristi have five children. Emily and Megan both attend college but help with the cattle and fieldwork when they are able. Gracie, Austin and Owen help with everyday chores and fieldwork. They attend Foley Public Schools.
The Blanks have been active in the Duelm 4-H Club for 11 years. The club participates in several community service projects throughout the year along with participating in and supporting the Benton County Fair. Jeremy has been a board member of the Benton/Sherburne Corn Growers Association for the past seven years.